Soon To Be Racing

[Ride]

Hi all,

I've started the process. I'm registered for the 2013 season as a racer. I've requested a quote from the LBS for a Trek Domane 5.9 plus some Garmin accessories and a Stages Cycling StageONE power meter. Only thing outstanding is the pedals and shoes.

I've still no idea if I'll be any good but it is exciting to be adding racing to my fitness regime. I never thought I'd be so keen to race when I first started commuting to lose weight.



Ride

 

[zizou]

Well done for taking the first step

I hope i dont sound like a broken record as it seems to be what i say anytime someone mentions starting racing! But i cant underline how important it is to join a club first (if you are not already in one) and learn some group riding skills, will do a world of good.

 

[Peteaud]

I am probably being thick, but, what sort of racing?

 

[black'n'yellow]

Hi all,

I've started the process. I'm registered for the 2013 season as a racer. I've requested a quote from the LBS for a Trek Domane 5.9 plus some Garmin accessories and a Stages Cycling StageONE power meter. Only thing outstanding is the pedals and shoes.

I've still no idea if I'll be any good but it is exciting to be adding racing to my fitness regime. I never thought I'd be so keen to race when I first started commuting to lose weight.



Ride

A Domane is not the obvious choice for amateur racing - what made you choose one of those..?

 

[Rob3rt]

A Domane is not the obvious choice for amateur racing - what made you choose one of those..?

Or a Stages power meter?

 

[Rob3rt]

Not trying to be a debbie downer btw, it is great that you are putting plans in place and taking action!

 

[Ride]

Well done for taking the first step

I hope i dont sound like a broken record as it seems to be what i say anytime someone mentions starting racing! But i cant underline how important it is to join a club first (if you are not already in one) and learn some group riding skills, will do a world of good.

I have a co-worker that is big into the sport. She said she'll let me join her on a few of her recovery rides. I should be able to get some tips and tricks from her before joining the Saturday and Sunday rides. Since the teams are small here, I'd like to get to know some of the members first before I commit to one; if they are even accepting new members.

Ride

 

[Ride]

I am probably being thick, but, what sort of racing?

I'm looking at just road racing for the moment. Maybe later I'll move on to crits and/or TTs.

Ride

 

[Ride]

A Domane is not the obvious choice for amateur racing - what made you choose one of those..?

I'm be doing road races and thought I'd like something with a bit of built in comfort. Also, the roads here aren't always super smooth with good stretches of cracked or uneven sections. I commute 40 km in and 21 km back on a Trek 2012 7.5 FX Disc so I know the conditions of the roads pretty well.

Plus, Cancellara rides it and I'll be just as good as him if I ride it.

Ride

 

[Ride]

Or a Stages power meter?

My co-worker who is big into cycling has power and swears by it for under/over training and tracking progress. The StageONE is new and innovative and is less expensive then the power she has. It seems accurate enough for an enthusiast like me so I thought I'd give it a go.

Ride

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I looked at the stages myself but discounted it based on the fact it relies on a mathematical algorithm to calculate total power output so it can't display more advanced features such as left/right power balance. Moreover, it also assumes that a rider's output will be the same between both legs. You can also not use the product with carbon crank arms which is unfortunate. The reality is you can't compare the power readings from this with a Quarq or SRM as its not gathering the same data.

 

[Ride]

Just got back from confirming my fitting. Yesterday measurements were taken and calculations performed. Today they checked me out on a size 52 frame. It turns out that I am suited for either the size 50 or 52 frame. I'd need a longer stem on the 50 but I've been told that this could help handling since I am new to road bikes. The order has been placed and a deposit ... deposited.

There is no turning back now. Time to see what I am made of.

Ride.

 

[Rob3rt]

Just got back from confirming my fitting. Yesterday measurements were taken and calculations performed. Today they checked me out on a size 52 frame. It turns out that I am suited for either the size 50 or 52 frame. I'd need a longer stem on the 50 but I've been told that this could help handling since I am new to road bikes. The order has been placed and a deposit ... deposited.

There is no turning back now. Time to see what I am made of.

Ride.

How so? Unless you fit a 2 foot long stem (exaggeration) the difference in handling will be imperceptible.

 

[oldroadman]

Smaller frame is good because it makes everything a little more compact so may help quick handling. Not wanting to be in any way disparaging, as a new rider on the road you will just accept the bike as it is and use it to the best of your ability. There's a lot of dubious stuff spouted about fitting, if you have got it spot on then the bike should become an extension of you, and hardly noticed through the pain..!

 

[montage]

How so? Unless you fit a 2 foot long stem (exaggeration) the difference in handling will be imperceptible.

I'd have to disagree on this one through my own experiences, especially when it comes down to sprinting - short stems seem far twitchier! I also had a 130mm stem on my cyclocross bike, now that it is 110mm I can feel a huge difference in handling on and off road, but that is just me